On 31 December 2019, the Anti-Infiltration Act was passed by Taiwan’s Legislature, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding national security and democracy. Described as an effective democratic defense mechanism by the Ministry of the Interior (MoI), the legislation prohibits intervention in Taiwan’s democratic political system through infiltration sources—namely, individuals, institutions or organisations affiliated with or sponsored by a government, political party or other political group of an external hostile force.
In a statement released later that day, the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) backed the legislation, saying it would help maintain orderly, stable and transparent cross-strait exchanges. According to MAC, China’s infiltration campaign is posing a serious threat to Taiwan’s national security, democracy and social order. Core values of freedom and democracy are at the heart of the legislation, and it will in no way target any specific group or impact regular cross-strait exchanges, according to MAC. This position was echoed by President Tsai Ing-wen during her New Year’s Day address the following day. “The act will not infringe upon human rights, but better protect Taiwan’s freedom and democracy," she said. The president stressed that the government is opposed to infiltration, but not cross-strait exchanges, and the legislation will not affect normal areas of interaction such as business, education, religious and tourism exchanges.